Page 109 of The Wildcard

Ray clicked her tongue and ripped her hand andgazefrom Angel’s, slapping his fingers away from her thigh as she leaned forward, “No,” she said and Kyle’s shoulders drooped down, “I’m meeting with Cameron and Neera today as well.”

Those green eyes widened in a show of surprise,

“Why?”

Angel angled his body to face Ray as well, interested in her response. And definitely not because he could see her face better this way.

If Ray noticed his train of thought she didn’t show it, “Because they’ve been asking for a brief tour ever since they got here. It’s good that he gets a view of the venue, so he knows what to prepare for tomorrow.”

Kyle waved a hand in the air, “He’ll be fine. If he survived this long, he shouldn’t have any issues getting through tomorrow."

Ray’s eyes narrowed, “I wasn’t asking.”

“I could use a tour.” Angel added before Kyle could snap back. They both turned to face him, and Angel shrugged, continuing innocently as Ray’s eyes glared through his, “I’m sure Ira wouldn’t mind if I tag along?”

Ira hummed her agreement and Angel cocked a brow in Ray’s direction as if saying,see? I’m right.

Ray’s jaw ticked but before she could respond, Jack’s voice spoke up from the other end, “Isn’t there an amusement park here somewhere?” he asked, his question aimed at Kyle, who nodded, enthusiastically, “Then we could all go. We’ll meet there after Ray’s shown Cameron the venue and enjoy the island until hell breaks loose tomorrow.”

Angel winced at his words, but Kyle clapped his back, looking too satisfied, “Great idea.”

“Wait–” Ray began from beside him, but Ira’s soft voice interjected,

“Amusement Park?” she asked and turned to Ray, her eyes sparkling, “Would there be cotton Candy?Zucchero filato?”

Ray sighed at the excitement in her voice, “I guess we’re going to the amusement park afterwards.” She said, resigned even as Angel grinned from beside her.

Ira clapped from beside her and leaned forward to peer at Angel,

“You come with.” She said, soft enough for him and Ray to hear as the others cheered. Ray started from beside him but Angel only grinned as she continued excitedly, “I’m going for ataglio.”

Angel’s brows bunched as Ray groaned from beside him, “Cut?” he asked, and Ira nodded,

“Haircut.” She stated proudly and Angel’s heart cracked at the amount of excitement in her eyes.

He looked at her hair, taking in the frizzy short strands and nodded back at her, his eyes going soft as he regarded her.

When Ira huffed in satisfaction and turned away, Angel leaned closer to Ray, making sure no one else was looking at them as he asked softly,

“That your idea?”

Ray’s honey eyes shuttered, but she didn’t pull awayfrom him. Instead, her shoulders just sagged, “Yeah,” she said quietly, and a part of Angel couldn’t bear those words, “I thought she could use a change.”

“A change she asked for.”

Angel’s heart pounded against the cage of ribs harshly and pulled back abruptly, blinking at the sudden warmth that was seeping through his chest at her words, “That’s…” he couldn’t. Angel blinked again, and looked back at her, but whatever softness he’d seen there had disappeared into a cold trance.

Angel breathed out harsh breath as he snapped his gaze away and looked back at the others, his heart racing with his thoughts as Ray followed their movement.

And when she walked away with Ira in tow, Angel couldn’t tell if losing his mind was a good thing or not.

Just knew it was going toruinhim.

**

Ray shot down her urge to ruffle Ira’s hair as the other girl stood beside her, staring at the barbershop with wide eyes. She could see her tense set of shoulders, but made sure to keep her gaze fixated ahead as she breathed out,

“So kid,” she said softly, and Ira stiffened further, “Wanna get the best haircut of your life?”

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